This protocol has been created to ensure effective co-operation between Competent Authorities (CAs) with respect to their obligations under Article 41 of MiFID (Suspension and removal of in-struments from trading).The purpose of the notification obligations under Article 41 is to afford investors across all Mem-ber States the same level of protection regardless of where they trade. In order to achieve this outcome, a shared understanding of the different circumstances under which trading may be suspended in different Member States according to their national law and the expected course of action under Article 41 is helpful. To ensure trading is suspended or an instrument is removed from trading in an effective and timely way, an effective communication process is necessary.The protocol will be kept under review in light of practical experience.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its European Common Enforcement Priorities (Priorities) for 2013. These Priorities are to be used by European Economic Area (EEA) national authorities in their assessment of listed companies’ 2013 financial statements. ESMA has defined these Priorities in order to promote the consistent application of IFRS across the EEA. Listed companies and their auditors should take account of the areas set out in the Priorities when preparing and auditing the IFRS financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2013. The Priorities identified refer to the application of IFRS in relation to: • Impairment of non-financial assets; • Measurement and disclosure of post-employment benefit obligations; • Fair value measurement and disclosure; • Disclosures related to significant accounting policies, judgements and estimates; and • Measurement of financial instruments and disclosure of related risks.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published the text of a new multilateral memorandum of understanding (MMoU) between EEA national competent authorities, and between national competent authorities and ESMA which entered into force on 29 May 2014. It has been signed by 33 authorities in the securities and markets area. The new MMoU was agreed in view of the increasing internationalisation, harmonisation and interdependence of financial services and markets in the European Union. It is designed to facilitate cooperation arrangements and the exchange of information between national competent authorities, and between national competent authorities and ESMA, in the application of their responsibilities under Union law relating to the securities and markets area. It also updates and replaces a previous agreement on the Exchange of Information and Surveillance of Securities Activities agreed by the members of the Committee of European Securities Regulators (formerly the Forum of European Securities Commissions) entered into by those members on 26 January 1999. List of Signatories to MMoU on Cooperation Arrangements and Exchange of Information

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is looking to newly constitute a Consultative Working Group (CWG) for the ESMA Secondary Markets Standing Committee (SMSC) as the two-year-term of the existing CWG has recently expired. ESMA is therefore calling for expressions of interest from stakeholders to become a member of the CWG by 13 July 2014.
The application form should be accompanied by a CV. The model European CV is recommended.It is optional for applicants, though recommended, to attach a letter of motivation.